Graduation Gifts for Every Grad
Graduation is a big milestone, and the right gift can help launch whatever comes next. We've rounded up our favorite gifts for high school and college grads, from practical dorm and first-apartment essentials to meaningful keepsakes and fun splurges. Congrats, grads!
The guides
Frequently asked
How much money should you give for a graduation gift?
It really depends on your relationship to the grad and your budget. Close family often gives more than friends or neighbors, and any amount with a heartfelt note is meaningful. There's no wrong answer.
What is a good graduation gift?
Practical things for their next chapter (dorm or first-apartment essentials, quality tech accessories), meaningful keepsakes, or money toward their goals. See our graduation gift guide.
What is a good college graduation gift?
Help them launch adult life: a quality work bag, home basics for a first apartment, a professional-feeling upgrade, or a meaningful keepsake marking the milestone.
Do you bring a gift to a graduation party?
It's customary to bring a card, often with cash or a gift card, if you attend. A small gift is a kind gesture even when the invitation says "no gifts necessary."
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This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
Apple MacBook Neo
Entry-level Mac-style laptop recommended for teens who need a reliable machine for schoolwork and safety features.
From: The best back-to-school tech for teens
Logitech Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Combo
Wireless keyboard and mouse set that provides comfortable typing and navigation for essays, projects, and creative work.
From: The best back-to-school tech for teens
Ophaya Smart Pen
A smart pen that digitizes handwritten notes and transfers them to your computer or cloud, useful for students and anyone who prefers writing by hand but wants searchable digital copies.
From: The best tech to get your family organized this school year
Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky
A follow-up to Fair Play that encourages women to carve out creative 'unicorn space'—a practical, empowering book for moms seeking work-life creativity balance.
From: 8 wonderful Mother's Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
The Pomodoro Technique (Time-Management Method)
A simple, widely used time-management method based on focused 25-minute work intervals—great as a practical productivity gift for busy parents or friends who want better focus.
From the guide
Any.do Task & Grocery List App (Premium option)
A popular productivity app to organize tasks and shared grocery lists — handy for busy households and parents who want a streamlined way to track supplies.
From: 7 really smart decluttering habits to start now, so you don't have to KonMari your house later
Foxtail AI Reseller App (subscription service)
A mobile/web app that streamlines listing and managing items across marketplaces—useful for new or experienced resellers to save time and increase sales.
From: Foxtail AI: This new app could be a game changer for reselling on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, Depop and more
Sentry PC parental control subscription
A software subscription for monitoring and scheduling family internet usage, filtering content, and managing screen time across devices.
From: The best tech to get your family organized this school yearGeneric Retailer Gift Card (Amazon/Target/Best Buy/Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox)
Flexible gift card so a grad can choose the exact tech or gaming items they need for college life.
From the guideGoodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Emoji Concepts
Emoji and sticker concepts inspired by the feminist icons from the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls books — a thoughtful, empowering digital gift.
From the guide
Up All Night Coffee Gift Set (Mouth x Cool Mom Picks)
Curated gift set with Brooklyn-roasted Sumatra, espresso cookies, and coffee caramel corn—designed for serious caffeine lovers.
From the guideBook about sex for parents
A practical, approachable guide that helps parents talk to kids about sex and navigate digital-age risks—makes a thoughtful, useful gift for new or seasoned parents.
From the guide
Basics with Babish (Cookbook)
A practical cookbook by Andrew Rea offering approachable recipes — a solid gift for cooks of many skill levels.
From the guideAmazon Kindle Paperwhite
E-reader with a high-resolution glare-free display and built-in light — ideal for avid readers who travel or commute.
From the guide
We Grew It, Let’s Eat It (Children's Gardening Book)
An introductory gardening book for kids that encourages growing vegetables and hands-on learning—great for families starting a garden.
From the guideAudible (audiobook subscription)
Popular subscription service with a vast audiobook catalog—great for gifting ongoing listening time to a book lover.
From the guide
Children’s books about inspiring Asian-Americans
A curated set of children’s books celebrating inspiring Asian-American figures—thoughtful and educational gift for kids or classrooms.
From the guideLibriVox (free public-domain audiobooks)
Volunteer-read public-domain audiobooks available for free—good as a low-cost gift option for classic-lit fans.
From the guideLibro.fm (audiobook membership)
Subscription service that shares sales with local bookstores—nice for gifting an audiobook fix while supporting indie shops.
From the guideKindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (wireless charging)
High-end Kindle with wireless charging and improved display — thoughtful gift for avid e-book readers.
From the guideSix-Month Audible Subscription
A six-month Audible membership to give him audiobooks and podcasts to enjoy throughout the year.
From the guideMichelle Icard’s suggestion to do something fun while having tech conversations with your kids
A parenting guide by Michelle Icard offering conversation starters and advice for guiding preteens — a thoughtful gift for new parents or caregivers.
From the guideSkybrary
Digital library app for children offering story videos and read-alongs — useful for building a home reading habit.
From the guide
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle (customizable)
Durable insulated bottle available with college logo options to keep drinks cold or hot through the day.
From: 21 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022